EMG and Nerve Testing

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCT) are tests done to evaluate the function of muscles and the nerves that control them. These are highly beneficial tests that measure the electrical activity of muscle and nerve response times to stimulation.

At Neurological Medicine, P.A., we use EMG and NCT to determine if an illness, disorder, or trauma has damaged the muscles or nerves. This allows our neurologists and your primary physician to determine if a disorder is affecting the muscle and nerve response time in your body.

If you need EMG or nerve testing, contact Neurological Medicine, P.A. today to schedule your appointment online or give us a call. Visit our new patient resource page for insurance information and new patient documentation.

What is EMG and NCT (Muscle and Nerve Testing)

Electromyography (EMG) is a study that examines your muscles at rest and in use. EMG studies the electrical signals your body makes when in use. Resting muscles should have no electrical signals.

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCT) examine how well your nerves respond to stimuli. NCT is most used to assess for nerve damage and is used in combination with EMG muscle tests to see how your nerves that control the muscles are working with the muscles and how your muscles are responding to the nerves.

The test for EMG muscle assessment involves a small needle being inserted into the muscle. The needle is attached to a monitoring device and does not deliver any stimulation. The needle is used to assess the electrical activity given off by the muscle when at rest and when in use.

For a nerve test, small electrodes will be attached above the nerves being tested and to the muscles being tested. One of these is a testing electrode and the other is a recording electrode. The electrode above the nerve will deliver a small stimulation which can feel like a soft tingling feeling. During the assessment, the physician will record how long it takes from the stimulation being sent to the muscle reacting.

EMG and NCT tests are often done at the same time to better evaluate if the muscle or nerve is causing the issue in the body. Combined, the tests may take one to two hours depending on how many muscles and nerves are being tested. At Neurological Medicine, P.A., your EMG and nerve testing will be done as an outpatient procedure in one of our offices.

Why Do I Need EMG and NCT Testing

EMG and Nerve Testing are recommended for patients who have concerns about disorders, illnesses, or injuries that may affect or have affected their muscles or nerves. Patients often seek a nerve conduction study if they’ve noticed muscle weakness, tingling or numbness throughout their limbs or face, frequent muscle cramps and spasms, or paralysis in any limb.

EMG and Nerve Conductive Studies help to diagnose various illnesses and disorders:
Peripheral neuropathy
Nerve compression syndromes (ie, carpal tunnel syndrome)
Pinched nerves
Sciatica
Muscular dystrophy
ALS
Herniated discs
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Myasthenia gravis

During your EMG and nerve conductive study, you will be asked to sit or lie down. Your physician will review what areas of the muscles and nerves will be tested. For EMG testing, small needles will be inserted into the muscles to be tested to record the readings; these do not put off any stimuli. For nerve testing, small electrodes will be attached above the nerves to be tested and on the muscles to be tested.

For muscle testing, you will be asked to relax and then contract your muscles to review the electrical activity when your body is working the muscles vs relaxing them. The output will be on a monitor and the monitor may have an auditory response as well.

For nerve testing, stimulation will be sent to the electrodes attached above the nerve. This may cause a small tingling feeling. The monitor will record how long it takes the muscles to respond to the nerve stimulation. Your physician will record the intervals.

For each test respectively, the series of events may be recorded for different muscle groups or nerves. At the end of the tests, all inserts, needles, and electrodes will be removed. Testing may take one to two hours for both EMG and nerve testing, based on how many muscles and nerve groups are being assessed.

How to Prepare for EMG and Nerve Testing

To prep for an EMG and nerve test, you want to shower beforehand and omit any lotions, creams, or perfumes from your skin. It is important the skin is as clear as possible for clean readouts during the test – applications to the skin can skew the results.

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or adjusted to allow access to the muscles and nerves being tested.

Tell your physician if you are on any blood thinners so they can be aware of any bleeding around the needle insertion site – do not stop any medications unless instructed to do so.

Always tell your physician if you have a pacemaker or any other electrical medical device.

For some patients, you may be asked to refrain from caffeinated food or beverages, as these can sometimes affect the results.

Risks of an EMG Nerve Study

For EMG muscle studies, the insertion of the needle can cause slight discomfort. The tested muscles may be sore for a day following the tests. Slight bruising may appear around the insertion area. Nerve studies cause a slight tingling from the stimulation electrodes.

If there is persistent discomfort or pain during the test, tell your physician as this can skew the results of the test.

Why Work With Neuro Med for Your EMG Nerve Studies

Neurological Medicine, P.A. is a compassionate neurological office that is dedicated to patient comfort, care, and health. Since 1975 we have been a go-to office for neurological treatment and assessment in Maryland. We specialize in noninvasive neurological testing to put our patients at ease while providing tangible results we can consult on and provide to primary care physicians.

With two offices in Maryland, one in Greenbelt and one in Laurel, we make neurological assessment and treatment easy and accessible. Schedule online or call our office for any questions. We are here to discuss insurance coverage, scheduling, office hours, and more to assist.

Easy Online Scheduling

Compassionate Care

Comfortable Testing

Schedule Your EMG and NCT Tests Today

New patients can find all required paperwork on our new patient resource page. We list all of our covered insurances to assist you with medical bill coverage ahead of time. We advise all patients to call their insurance and clarify any info regarding deductibles, upfront payments, covered procedures, and more.

We ask that you bring a government-issued ID, any referrals, all medication info you are on or have been recently, and medical records for our reference. You can schedule online with an appointment request or call our office to schedule. We have offices in Greenbelt, MD and Laurel, MD. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm.

Request New Appointment

If you are a new or previous patient, inquire about an appointment date via phone, email, or our contact form.

Ask Us Your Questions and Concerns

Give us a call regarding insurance, services, and more. Physicians can send us referrals here.

EMG Nerve Testing FAQs

What is nerve conduction study? A nerve conduction study assesses stimulation to the nerve and how long it takes the muscles to respond. This helps determine if the muscle, nerve, or both are responsible for any issues happening in the body. What is an EMG nerve test for? EMG is a muscle test and is often combined with a nerve conduction test to determine if the muscle or nerve is at fault for the body not operating correctly. It can be used to help create a treatment plan or confirm a diagnosis that has to do with muscle or nerve behavior. How long will an EMG test take? EMG tests can take 30 minutes to an hour based on how many muscles are being tested. However, EMG tests are often done with nerve testing, which can also last up to an hour or longer. Combined EMG and nerve testing can be one to two hours for most patients. What happens if EMG is abnormal? If your EMG is abnormal your physician will discuss the findings with you and what the results mean. This can include possible diagnoses, follow-up testing, or treatments to help with muscle control and behavior. What does an EMG nerve test diagnose? EMG/NCT can diagnose muscle disorders, herniated discs, compressed nerves, ALS, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. Most often it helps in diagnosing disorders or illnesses that affect the muscles and nerves throughout the body. What does an EMG nerve conduction study show? EMG/NCT can show how well muscles relax, respond, and how well nerves receive stimulation input. There should be no output when muscles are relaxed, an expected outcome during muscle contraction, and an expected amount of time between nerve stimulation and muscle response.